Koro is not 'just in your head' — it produces measurable physical symptoms through well-understood neurobiological pathways.
Why Koro Causes Physical Symptoms
The brain and body are not separate systems. Koro activates:
- The HPA axis: releasing cortisol that affects virtually every body system
- The autonomic nervous system: creating the physical experience of threat
- Inflammatory pathways: affecting immune function and tissue health
- The enteric nervous system (gut-brain axis): digestive symptoms common in koro
Common Physical Symptoms of Koro
- Muscle tension, headaches, and chronic pain patterns
- Digestive symptoms: IBS, nausea, appetite changes
- Sleep disruption and fatigue
- Cardiovascular: heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure over time
- Immune effects: increased susceptibility to illness
When Physical Symptoms Are Primarily Koro
Physical symptoms from koro are real, not imaginary. But they're best treated by addressing koro directly, alongside symptomatic relief when needed.